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I think I need a psychiatric evaluation

  • 07-06-2008 1:49am
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    I think I need a psychiatric evaluation.

    I don't know a lot about mental health or the mental health profession and would like someone to explain to me the best way to proceed.

    I'm 22 and I have some symptoms which may be nothing or which may be sign of an unwell mind and these are making me very worried because there is a history of mental instability in my family (severe depression, alcoholism, schizophrenia). Despite this history I do not feel I can talk to my family yet - I know that if I was diagnosed as being unwell that they would support me but at the moment I'm perfectly normal in their eyes and only seeking attention.

    Who should I talk to? GP/Counsellor/Psychiatrist?
    I have a 9-5 Mon-Fri job and I'm conscious of not missing too much work as I'm completely broke. I'm a full time student in UCD if anyone knows anything about the facilities there (I'd talk to the SU welfare officer but I don't trust him).


    I'm sorry about the long post. If its relevant my symptoms are:

    Stress/anxiety
    For the past 5 years have definitely suffered from stress / anxiety. I have certain social phobia's and have at different times in the past experienced physical manifestations of this, including definite signs of post traumatic stress.

    Paranoia
    I am definitely a very paranoid individual. Its because of this that I'm not sure whether the next two symptoms are actually happening or I am imagining them.

    I might be depressed.
    There have been a number of periods over the past 3 years that I would consider myself to have been very low/unhappy - but I don't know if they would meet the clinical definition of depression and they are always followed by a period of euphoria/excitement.
    Lately though I cant seem to get excited about anything, I just seem to be either feeling down or when things are going well numb.

    I might be delusional.
    I am a very spiritual person who believes that I communicate with God and that God acts on this. I will have long conversations asking for something/justifying it and then interpret events the next day as being the answer to my prayers. eg If I wanted help in an exam I didnt study for I'd pray and then the next day I'd be very lucky in what came up on the paper but that night I might not be able to get into any pubs in town and I'd interpret this as the answer to my prayers. Though I don't hear voices I have a genuine belief in two way communication with God.


Comments

  • #2
    Dizzyblonde
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Politics Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,110 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dizzyblonde


    You need to go to your GP first and tell him or her everything you're feeling, then they'll refer you on.
    The fact that you realise you might have a problem and are facing it is a huge step.
    Good luck.


  • #3
    Crannog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 ✭Crannog


    If we tell you that we don't think you need a psychiatric evaluation then we are just the same as your family.

    If you think that you need a psychiatric evaluation for whatever reason, peace of mind or explanation of how you are feeling, then I will encourage you all the way. Go to your GP, or any GP, and ask for a referral.

    For what it is worth, I can't understand how anyone could be in FULL TIME education, FULL TIME work, have money concerns, and God knows what else, and not have Stress, Anxiety etc. Are you exhausted?

    Your relationship with God sounds great. Many would envy your faith. And EVERYONE has paranoid thoughts. Just because we think nutty doesn't mean we are.

    PTSD is a very specific diagnosis and a psychiatric evaluation may put your mind at rest. Good news is that it is completely treatable.

    Every best wish


  • #4
    Kannon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 410 ✭✭Kannon


    you said you are in UCD. you should go and talk to Ursula Bates in the Student Centre counselling service. i was in a very similar position to you, thought i had a mental disease and didn't nowhere to turn and didn't know what to do, and she helped me no-end. Extremely approachable person.
    Good luck.


  • #5
    Earthhorse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,716 ✭✭✭✭Earthhorse


    First off, get to your GP, or the counselling service in UCD suggested above.

    If it helps, write down specifics of what you're feeling, the major symptoms anyway. It is very easy to step inside someone's office and draw blanks.

    The worst thing you can do is self-diagnose which is why talking to someone qualified in this area is a must.


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